71st and 72nd IATSS Forum 2027: 8-Week Leadership Development Programme in Japan for Professionals from Asia
The IATSS Forum 2027 is inviting applications from young professionals and emerging leaders who are interested in developing their leadership capabilities, exchanging knowledge across cultures and contributing to sustainable development in their countries and the wider Asian region.
The programme is designed around the idea of co-creative and collaborative leadership, bringing together professionals from different countries, cultures, professional backgrounds and areas of expertise. Participants are expected not only to learn from the programme but also to share their own experiences, knowledge, perspectives and professional expertise with other participants.
For 2027, the programme will be conducted through two possible eight-week sessions: the 71st IATSS Forum from May to July 2027 and the 72nd IATSS Forum from September to November 2027. Applicants should note that the programme schedule and timeframe may be subject to change, and applicants cannot guarantee or select which programme period they will ultimately be assigned to.
The IATSS Forum is particularly interested in individuals who have demonstrated leadership experience, understand the challenges facing their communities and countries, possess a strong desire to create positive change, and have the potential to use the knowledge and networks gained through the programme for the benefit of society.
IATSS Forum 2027 Programme Overview
The IATSS Forum is structured as an intensive international learning and leadership development experience. It provides participants with an opportunity to step outside their usual professional and cultural environments and engage with people from different backgrounds.
The programme places particular importance on:
- Leadership development
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Collaborative and co-creative leadership
- Sustainable regional development
- Knowledge and experience sharing
- Professional and personal development
- Understanding social and regional challenges
- Building international networks
- Learning from people with different professional and cultural perspectives
- Developing the ability to contribute to communities and society
Participants are expected to actively engage in lectures, group discussions, meetings, learning activities, and other programme components.
The programme is therefore intended for individuals who are not simply looking to attend an international programme, but who have a clear idea of how the experience can contribute to their future leadership journey and their ability to create positive change.
IATSS Forum 2027 Programme Dates
The 2027 programme is currently scheduled across two possible eight-week periods.
71st IATSS Forum
May to July 2027
Duration: 8 weeks
72nd IATSS Forum
September to November 2027
Duration: 8 weeks
Applicants should be aware that the programme schedule and timeframe are subject to change.
In addition, applicants cannot guarantee which of the two programme periods they will be assigned to. Selection for the programme therefore does not necessarily mean that an applicant will be able to choose between the May–July and September–November sessions.
Application Deadline for IATSS Forum 2027
The application period for the 2027 IATSS Forum runs from:
1 June 2026 to 30 September 2026
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparing their documents well before the deadline. The application requires several documents, including an application form, basic question form, essay, recommendation form, and, where applicable, proof of English proficiency.
Because some documents may require coordination with an employer or direct supervisor, applicants should avoid waiting until the final days of the application period.
Applications must be submitted through the designated online application process. Submissions by email are not accepted.
Who Is the IATSS Forum Looking For?
The IATSS Forum has outlined several characteristics that it considers important when selecting candidates.
The selection process is not based solely on academic qualifications or professional experience. Instead, the programme seeks individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, awareness of social and community issues, a willingness to learn from others, and a clear motivation to contribute to sustainable development.
The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate several of the following qualities.
- Leadership Experience and Potential
Leadership is one of the central qualities sought by the IATSS Forum.
Candidates should ideally have experience leading a team within an organisation or professional environment. However, leadership is not presented simply as holding a formal managerial position.
The programme is interested in individuals who understand their own leadership strengths as well as the areas where they need to improve.
Applicants should therefore be able to reflect on questions such as:
- What type of leader am I?
- What leadership responsibilities have I undertaken?
- What have I learned from leading others?
- What challenges have I encountered as a leader?
- What areas of my leadership skills still need development?
- How do I work with people who have different perspectives from my own?
The IATSS Forum places particular emphasis on co-creative and collaborative leadership.
This means that effective leadership is understood as the ability to bring together people with different experiences, cultures, professional backgrounds, and perspectives and work collectively towards a shared objective.
Candidates should therefore demonstrate an ability and willingness to collaborate rather than relying solely on individual leadership.
- Co-Creative and Collaborative Leadership
A major focus of the IATSS Forum is the concept of co-creative/collaborative leadership.
Participants will come from different cultural and professional environments. This diversity is viewed as an opportunity for learning and collective problem-solving.
Candidates should understand that leadership can involve:
- Listening to different perspectives
- Respecting cultural differences
- Building consensus
- Encouraging participation
- Recognizing the strengths of team members
- Combining different areas of expertise
- Working towards common goals
- Learning from people with different experiences
- Creating solutions collectively
The programme therefore seeks people who can contribute to a diverse learning environment while also learning from others.
- Awareness of Issues Facing Their Country and Community
Another important characteristic is awareness of the challenges facing the applicant’s own country and community.
Candidates should have an understanding of important social, economic, environmental, institutional, developmental, or other challenges relevant to their communities.
However, awareness alone is not sufficient.
The IATSS Forum is looking for people who have the motivation to take on a leadership role in addressing these challenges.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate that they are not merely observers of problems but are interested in becoming part of the process of creating solutions.
This could involve professional work, community engagement, social initiatives, organisational leadership, public policy, development work, business, education, civil society, or other forms of contribution.
- Commitment to Sustainable Development
The programme seeks candidates who are motivated to contribute to the future sustainable development of the region.
Applicants should therefore consider how their professional work and leadership can contribute to long-term positive change.
This can include developing solutions to challenges affecting communities, improving institutions, supporting inclusive development, strengthening cooperation, or using professional expertise to address problems facing society.
Candidates should have a clear understanding of why sustainable development matters to their country and region and how they hope to contribute.
- Broad Skills, Experience and Expertise
The IATSS Forum brings together participants with different professional backgrounds and areas of expertise.
Candidates are therefore expected to possess a broad range of skills, experience, and professional knowledge that can be shared with other participants.
Applicants should consider what unique perspectives they can bring to the programme.
This could include expertise gained through:
- Professional employment
- Leadership responsibilities
- Community initiatives
- Policy work
- Research
- Business
- Civil society
- Development programmes
- Education
- Public administration
- Social entrepreneurship
- Technology
- Environmental initiatives
- International cooperation
- Other professional or community-based activities
The important point is that participants should be able to contribute knowledge and experience to discussions and group learning.
- Strong English Communication Skills
English proficiency is an important requirement because the programme involves active participation in an international environment.
Candidates should have sufficient English skills to participate effectively in:
- Lectures
- Group discussions
- Meetings
- Knowledge-sharing sessions
- Collaborative activities
- Cross-cultural exchanges
Participants are expected not simply to understand English but to be able to communicate their experiences, knowledge, opinions, and ideas to people from different backgrounds.
Applicants may submit a certificate demonstrating English proficiency, where applicable.
Accepted examples listed in the application information include certificates such as:
- TOEFL
- TOEIC
- Other relevant English proficiency certificates
An English proficiency certificate should be attached if applicable.
- Potential for Personal and Professional Development
The IATSS Forum recognises that strong candidates may not already possess every skill required to achieve their long-term goals.
The programme is therefore also interested in candidates who have the potential to gain what they currently lack through participation.
Applicants should be able to identify areas where they want to grow.
For example, a candidate may want to improve:
- Leadership abilities
- Cross-cultural communication
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Strategic thinking
- International networking
- Professional communication
- Understanding of regional issues
- Team management
- Intercultural collaboration
- Ability to develop sustainable solutions
The key is demonstrating how participation in the IATSS Forum can help the applicant become a more effective professional and leader.
- Independence and Adaptability
The programme takes place in a diversified international environment.
Candidates should therefore be disciplined, independent, adaptable, and comfortable learning alongside people with different cultural and professional backgrounds.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Independence
- Responsibility
- Adaptability
- Respect for different cultures
- Openness to learning
- Positive engagement with others
- Willingness to work in diverse teams
Participants should also possess the physical and mental capabilities necessary to fully participate in programme activities without an accompanying person.
- Respect for Diversity and Other Perspectives
The IATSS Forum is built around interaction among people from different backgrounds.
Candidates should therefore demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning from and respecting others.
This means being willing to encounter perspectives that may differ significantly from one’s own.
Successful participants are expected to:
- Listen actively
- Respect different viewpoints
- Engage constructively in discussions
- Avoid dismissing unfamiliar perspectives
- Learn from cultural differences
- Share their own experiences respectfully
- Work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds
This intercultural dimension is an important part of the programme experience.
- Clear Goals for Participating in the IATSS Forum
Applicants should be able to clearly explain what they hope to gain from participating in the programme.
A strong application should therefore connect the applicants:
Current experience → Leadership goals → Learning needs → IATSS Forum experience → Future contribution
Candidates should have a clear understanding of why the programme is relevant to their professional and personal development.
They should also demonstrate that their goals are aligned with the contents and philosophy of the IATSS Forum.
IATSS Forum 2027 Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Nationality
Applicants must possess the nationality of one of the following countries:
- Cambodia
- India
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Age
Applicants must be 35 years old or younger as of the application closing date.
Since the application deadline is 30 September 2026, applicants must meet the age requirement as of that date.
Current Employment
Applicants must currently be working as a full-time employee in a professional field.
The eligibility information also states that:
- Self-employed applicants can apply.
- Freelancers can apply.
Therefore, the requirement is focused on current professional engagement rather than exclusively requiring employment by a traditional organisation.
Professional Experience
Applicants should have at least two years of full-time professional job experience at the time of application.
Candidates should therefore be able to demonstrate meaningful professional experience and explain how that experience has contributed to their leadership development and understanding of issues in their community or country.
English Ability
Applicants should have sufficient English proficiency to live and study abroad and actively participate in the programme.
English will be particularly important for lectures, discussions, meetings, presentations, and interaction with other participants.
Cultural Adaptability
Applicants should have sufficient cultural adaptability to live and study abroad.
The programme involves interaction with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds, making openness, adaptability, respect, and intercultural communication important qualities.
Ability to Participate Independently
Applicants must possess the physical and mental capabilities necessary to fully participate in programme activities without an accompanying person.
Candidates should therefore be prepared to participate independently in the full range of programme activities.
How the IATSS Forum 2027 Application Process Works
Applications are accepted once a year.
The selection process consists of two main stages:
- Document-based screening
- Interview-based screening
Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.
The interview schedule varies depending on the applicant’s country. Applicants should therefore understand that the interview date and time may differ between countries.
Only applicants who are shortlisted will receive notification regarding the interview.
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Documents Required for the IATSS Forum Application
Applicants must submit all required documents through the online application page.
The required documents include the following.
- Application Form
Applicants must complete the official Application Form provided by the IATSS Forum.
The form can be completed using:
- Microsoft Word, or
Applicants should ensure that all information is complete and accurate before converting and submitting the final document.
- Basic Question Form
Applicants must complete the Basic Question Form provided as part of the application materials.
The application booklet contains instructions explaining how applicants should approach the questions.
Applicants should carefully read these instructions before completing the form.
Importantly, the IATSS Forum explicitly states that submitting AI-generated text for the Basic Question Form will result in immediate disqualification.
Applicants should therefore write their answers themselves and ensure that their responses genuinely reflect their own experiences, perspectives, motivations, and goals.
- Essay
Applicants must also write a short essay on the topic provided in the official application materials.
The essay must be completed using the designated form and should follow the instructions contained in the Application Booklet.
As with the Basic Question Form, applicants are explicitly warned that AI-generated text submitted for the essay will result in immediate disqualification.
Applicants should therefore ensure that the essay represents their own authentic writing and personal experiences.
- Recommendation Form
Applicants must provide one letter of recommendation from their employer.
The recommendation should come from the applicant’s direct supervisor at their current job.
Applicants must use the official Recommendation Form and follow the instructions provided in the Application Booklet.
Because the recommendation requires involvement from a current supervisor, applicants should approach their supervisor sufficiently early to ensure that the document can be completed before the application deadline.
- English Proficiency Certificate
Applicants should attach a copy of any relevant certificate demonstrating English proficiency, if applicable.
Examples include:
- TOEFL
- TOEIC
- Other recognised English-language proficiency certificates
Applicants should carefully review the official application instructions regarding acceptable documentation.
Important Rule Regarding AI-Generated Applications
One of the most important instructions for the IATSS Forum application concerns artificial intelligence.
The programme explicitly states that:
Submitting AI-generated text for the Basic Question Form or Essay will result in immediate disqualification.
This means applicants should not use AI-generated responses as their submitted answers for these components.
Applicants should instead write their responses themselves and ensure that their answers accurately communicate:
- Their own experiences
- Their own leadership journey
- Their own challenges
- Their own motivations
- Their own understanding of issues
- Their own goals
- Their own reasons for applying
This requirement makes authenticity particularly important in preparing the application.
Applicants can carefully review the official instructions and application booklet, but their final responses for the Basic Question Form and Essay should be their own work.
Language Requirements for Application Documents
All submitted application documents must be written in English.
Applicants should also ensure that all documents are:
- Complete
- Clearly written
- Legible
- Properly formatted
- Submitted in the required format
Handwritten forms will not be accepted.
Applicants should also be careful when using acronyms.
If an acronym is used, applicants must write out the full name the first time it appears.
For example:
International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS)
After introducing the full name, the acronym can then be used throughout the remainder of the document.
How to Apply for the IATSS Forum 2027
Applicants should follow the official application process carefully.
Step 1: Download the Application Materials
Applicants should download the official:
- Application Booklet
- Application Form
- Basic Question Form
- Essay Form
- Recommendation Form
- Other required application materials
The Application Booklet should be read carefully before completing the forms because it contains detailed instructions regarding the application requirements.
Step 2: Complete All Required Documents
Applicants should complete the required documents in English.
They should carefully review each form before submission to ensure that no required section has been left incomplete.
Applicants should also ensure that the information provided is consistent across all documents.
Step 3: Prepare the Documents for Online Submission
Applicants should convert their completed Word documents into PDF format before uploading them.
Scanned image files such as JPEG and PNG may also be accepted when they are clear and appropriately sized.
However, applicants are advised not to submit photographs of printed documents taken with a smartphone or camera.
The programme explains that such photographs may lose accuracy and readability when enlarged.
Applicants should therefore use properly scanned documents wherever possible.
Step 4: Rename the Files
Before uploading the documents, applicants must rename their files by adding their nickname to the beginning of the file name.
For example:
Abby_Application Form
This helps organize the submitted materials and should be completed before proceeding to the online application page.
Step 5: Sign in to a Google Account
Applicants need to sign in to a Google account to access the online application page.
Applicants who do not already have a Google account will need to create one.
The programme recommends using Google Chrome while signed in to the relevant Google account for optimal viewing.
Step 6: Upload the Documents Online
Once all required documents are prepared in PDF or acceptable image formats, applicants should upload them through the appropriate online application page corresponding to their nationality.
Applicants are advised to use a PC rather than a mobile device when submitting their application.
The application system allows progress to be automatically saved as a draft for 30 days from the applicant’s last edit.
If an applicant cannot complete the application in one sitting, they should make sure to sign in again using the same Google account to continue working on the application.
Step 7: Submit the Application
After uploading all required documents and completing the online application, applicants should review the submission carefully before finalizing it.
Applicants should avoid uploading multiple sets of the same documents.
The IATSS Forum specifically warns that submitting multiple sets may delay processing or result in an applicant missing an opportunity to be considered.
Postal Submission
The primary application process is online.
However, applicants who wish to submit their documents by post should contact their country secretariat in advance.
The relevant contact details are provided on the last page of the Application Booklet.
Applicants should therefore not send documents by post without first contacting the appropriate country secretariat.
Email Applications Are Not Accepted
Applicants should be aware that applications submitted by email are not accepted.
The required documents must be submitted through the official online application process unless an alternative submission arrangement has been discussed with the relevant country secretariat.
Important Application Instructions to Remember
Before submitting an application, candidates should carefully review the following requirements:
- The application deadline is 30 September 2026.
- Applications are accepted once a year.
- Applicants must be 35 years old or younger as of the application closing date.
- Applicants must currently be working full-time in a professional field, with self-employed and freelance professionals also eligible.
- Applicants should have at least two years of full-time professional experience.
- All documents must be written in English.
- Handwritten forms are not accepted.
- AI-generated text submitted for the Basic Question Form or Essay results in immediate disqualification.
- Applicants should provide one recommendation from their direct supervisor at their current job.
- English proficiency certificates should be provided if applicable.
- Applicants must carefully follow the instructions in the Application Booklet.
- Documents should be converted to PDF or prepared as acceptable, clear scanned images.
- Smartphone or camera photographs of printed documents should be avoided.
- Files should be renamed by adding the applicant’s nickname at the beginning.
- Applicants need a Google account to access the online application system.
- Google Chrome is recommended for accessing the online application page.
- Applicants are encouraged to use a PC rather than a mobile device.
- Application progress can be saved as a draft for 30 days from the last edit.
- Applicants must use the same Google account to resume a saved application.
- Multiple sets of application documents should not be uploaded.
- Applications by email are not accepted.
- Applicants wishing to submit documents by post should contact their country secretariat in advance.
- The programme period is subject to change.
- Applicants cannot guarantee which of the two 2027 programme periods they will be assigned to.
What Makes a Strong IATSS Forum Applicant?
A strong applicant is likely to be someone who can demonstrate a combination of professional experience, leadership, self-awareness, community awareness, collaborative ability, and a clear vision for future contribution.
Applicants should not simply focus on listing achievements.
Instead, they should demonstrate the connection between their experiences and their future goals.
For example, a compelling application should be able to explain:
What have I done?
This demonstrates professional and leadership experience.
What have I learned?
This demonstrates reflection and self-awareness.
What challenges does my community or country face?
This demonstrates awareness of issues.
What am I currently doing to address these challenges?
This demonstrates motivation and action.
What do I still need to learn?
This demonstrates openness to development.
Why is the IATSS Forum the right opportunity for me?
This demonstrates programme alignment.
How will I use the experience afterwards?
This demonstrates long-term potential and commitment to contributing to society.
Why Cross-Cultural Learning Matters in the IATSS Forum
One of the distinctive features of the IATSS Forum is its emphasis on learning across cultural and professional boundaries.
Participants will interact with people who may have very different experiences, professional expertise, social environments, and perspectives.
This creates an environment in which participants can challenge their existing assumptions, learn new approaches to leadership, and develop a broader understanding of regional issues.
The programme’s emphasis on collaborative leadership also means that participants are expected to contribute to the learning of others.
Every participant brings their own knowledge and experience, making the programme a two-way learning environment rather than a conventional classroom experience.
IATSS Forum and Future Leadership
The programme is particularly relevant for professionals who want to strengthen their ability to contribute to sustainable development and become more effective leaders in their communities and organizations.
The experience can provide an opportunity to develop greater awareness of:
- Different leadership approaches
- Regional challenges
- Cross-cultural communication
- Collaborative problem-solving
- International cooperation
- Professional networking
- Personal strengths and areas for improvement
- The role of diverse perspectives in creating solutions
Participants are expected to think beyond their immediate professional responsibilities and consider how their leadership can contribute to wider societal development.
Frequently Asked Questions About the IATSS Forum 2027
What is the IATSS Forum?
The IATSS Forum is an international leadership and learning programme designed to bring together professionals from participating Asian countries for cross-cultural exchange, leadership development, knowledge sharing, and engagement with regional and societal issues.
When is the IATSS Forum 2027?
There are two planned programme periods:
71st IATSS Forum: May to July 2027, lasting 8 weeks.
72nd IATSS Forum: September to November 2027, lasting 8 weeks.
The exact schedule may change.
Can applicants choose their programme period?
Applicants cannot guarantee which programme period they will be assigned to.
What is the application deadline?
The application period runs from 1 June 2026 to 30 September 2026.
The deadline is therefore 30 September 2026.
How much professional experience is required?
Applicants should have at least two years of full-time professional job experience at the time of application.
Can freelancers apply?
Yes. The eligibility information specifically states that self-employed and freelance applicants can apply, provided they meet the other requirements.
Do applicants need to be currently employed?
Applicants should currently be full-time employees working in a professional field. Self-employed and freelance professionals are also included in the eligibility requirements.
Is English proficiency required?
Yes. Applicants should have sufficient English skills to live and study abroad and actively participate in lectures, group discussions, and meetings.
Applicants can submit relevant English proficiency certificates such as TOEFL or TOEIC, if applicable.
Is an essay required?
Yes. Applicants must complete a short essay on the designated topic using the official form.
Can applicants use AI to write the essay?
No. The programme explicitly states that submitting AI-generated text for the Basic Question Form or Essay will result in immediate disqualification.
Is a recommendation letter required?
Yes. Applicants must submit one recommendation from their employer, specifically from their direct supervisor at their current job.
Can the application be submitted by email?
No. Email submissions are not accepted.
Can applicants submit their application by post?
Applicants who wish to submit documents by post should contact their country secretariat in advance.
Is a Google account required?
Yes. Applicants need to sign in to a Google account to access the online application page.
Can applicants apply using a mobile phone?
The programme recommends using a PC rather than a mobile device for the online application process.
How long can an unfinished online application be saved?
The online application system can automatically save progress as a draft for 30 days from the applicant’s last edit.
Applicants must use the same Google account to resume the application.
Final Checklist for IATSS Forum 2027 Applicants
Before submitting the application, applicants should make sure they have prepared:
- Completed Application Form
- Completed Basic Question Form
- Completed Essay
- Recommendation Form from their direct supervisor
- English proficiency certificate, if applicable
- All documents written in English
- Documents converted to PDF or acceptable scanned formats
- Clear and readable scans
- Correctly renamed files with the applicant’s nickname
- Google account for online submission
- Access to a PC for the online application
- Correct country-specific online application page
- All required documents uploaded
- Final application reviewed for completeness
- Application submitted before 30 September 2026
Applicants should also ensure that they have not uploaded multiple sets of documents and have not submitted their application by email.
Conclusion
The IATSS Forum 2027 offers an opportunity for professionals from across participating Asian countries to develop their leadership capabilities through intensive international learning, cross-cultural exchange, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
The programme is particularly suited to professionals who have already gained meaningful work experience and are now looking to strengthen their leadership potential, broaden their international perspective, understand different approaches to problem-solving, and contribute more effectively to sustainable development in their communities and countries.
The selection criteria go beyond professional experience. The IATSS Forum is looking for people who can demonstrate leadership, self-awareness, awareness of community and national challenges, collaborative ability, cultural adaptability, professional expertise, English communication skills, and a genuine desire to create positive change.
Applicants should therefore approach the application as an opportunity to demonstrate not only what they have achieved but also what they have learned, what challenges they want to address, what they still need to develop, and how they intend to use the experience for the benefit of others.
For those considering applying, preparation should begin well before the deadline. The application requires multiple documents, including a recommendation from a current direct supervisor, and applicants must carefully follow the instructions in the official Application Booklet.
Most importantly, applicants should remember that the IATSS Forum explicitly prohibits AI-generated text for the Basic Question Form and Essay. These sections should authentically represent the applicant’s own experiences, ideas, motivations, and aspirations.
With applications open from 1 June 2026 until 30 September 2026, eligible professionals who meet the requirements should carefully review the official application materials, prepare their documents, and submit their application through the designated online process before the deadline.
The IATSS Forum ultimately seeks individuals who can learn from diversity, collaborate across cultures, develop as leaders, and take what they gain from the experience back into their professional and wider communities to contribute to meaningful and sustainable change.
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